Don’t mess with Texas reminds drivers to put litter in a trash can (Download Photo)

AUSTIN – To mark the 30th anniversary of the Don’t mess with Texas litter-prevention campaign, the Texas Department of Transportation and Dallas Cowboys today gave Justin Truby of Denton a 2016 Ford Fusion SE Hybrid vehicle during the Cowboys’ game against the Washington Redskins at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Truby was selected from among three finalists in the Don’t mess with Texas sweepstakes.

For more than 30 years, the iconic Don’t mess with Texas campaign has reminded people to put litter in a trash can instead of tossing it out their vehicles. Researchers estimate that nearly a half a billion (435 million) pieces of visible litter pile up along state-maintained highways annually. Small bits of trash can add up to one big litter problem, especially when napkins, wrappers and cigarette butts make up 70 percent of all litter found along Texas roads. In 2014 alone, the state spent $35 million in highway cleanup costs.

“The Don’t mess with Texas campaign has captured Texans’ sense of pride in their wonderful state while also helping keep tons of litter off Texas roads,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin III. “I congratulate Justin on winning the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and am grateful to the Dallas Cowboys who help us raise awareness on the importance of making our state litter-free.”

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, we deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.